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When members of the Hibernian Society gather Saturday for their 200th banquet, they will do so without Mayor Edna Jackson.

She is a woman, and even in 2012, that goes against the tradition of the private, all-male Irish society.

In a move typical of her sense of protocol, she has chosen not to challenge the honored tradition of the invitation-only, black-tie banquet.

Mayor Pro Tem Van Johnson will attend in her place.

“I will not break their tradition,” she said when asked to comment. “This year it is more important to build relationships, respect tradition and concentrate on moving forward.

“Maybe in the future they will extend an invitation.”

The Hibernians didn’t extend an invitation in 1992 to the city’s first female mayor, Susan Weiner. It was the first time in the organization’s history that a Savannah mayor was not invited to the dinner.

The banquet dates back to 1812, when the Savannah Hibernian Society was founded. Presidents, senators and archbishops — all male — have been among the invited guests and speakers.

Jackson anticipated the problem and asked the Hibernians to invite Johnson in her place. It earned her praise from some members of the society.

“We fully appreciate her valuing our tradition on that point,” said Peter Muller, chairman of the board of stewards.

Michael Foran, general chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, pointed out there are other organizations where a “keep out” rule applies to the opposite sex.

No women are allowed into the parade committee, Foran said, and he was confident no men are part of the mayor’s sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. Foran, also a member of the Hibernian Society, respected Jackson’s effort to conciliate.

“She is more in line to unite people and not divide people,” he said. “I think she’s a first-class lady.”